Themes
We dedicate each month to a specific Asian American theme to focus on.
2023-2024 Themes
From August to May, AYLA Chapters focus on a specific theme each month that pertains Asian Americans. Some themes address on-going issues that affect Asian Americans and some themes are related to current events.
August 2023: Education
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September 2023: Identity
Identity is one of the most pondered aspects of being an ethnic individual in the Western World. Many individuals find it hard to decide where they belong - whether they identify with their Western environment or their ethnic background. Finding one’s identity is difficult, but extremely rewarding in the long run. Gaining a home within a community, or even multiple communities, is how individuals grow for the better and gain the capacity to change the world.
October 2023: Innovation
Times keep changing, so the world and society changes with it, all due to innovation. Innovation creates new solutions to issues that become increasingly more complex, making its role increasingly more important, and today’s youth will spearhead innovation’s growth. It is necessary to acknowledge the incredible innovations and advancements that the Asian community has provided for the world, especially as future leaders in an ever-developing society.
November 2023: Ancestry
Ancestry, by dictionary definition, refers to "one's family or ethnic descent". However, ancestry to many Asian Americans goes beyond just ethnicity, but plays a significant role in their lifestyles, cultures, and identities. From family expectations to ethnic traditions we are expected to uphold, this month's theme aims to shed light on the unique and nuanced experience of the Asian-American upbringing. Whether raised with strong ties to one's native background, or feeling distant from one's culture, AYLA attempts to recognize the validity of every individual's ancestry in this month's theme.
December 2023: Holidays
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January 2024: Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is the celebration of marking the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, a calendar based on the lunar cycle. This year, Lunar New Year is being celebrated on Sunday, January 22nd, representing the start of the Year of the Rabbit.
This celebration is observed by many different cultures, hence why bringing attention to and celebrating Lunar New Year will bring inclusivity and help educate others within the community!
February 2024: Mental Health
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March 2024: Activism/Stop AAPI Hate
As the world becomes more and more diverse, more and more concerns for the wellbeing of the people arise. However, in a society that is built to support the majority, not the minority, using one’s voice is necessary to create desired change. Today’s youth have learned the power of instant connection that comes with technology and applied it to activism and awareness of issues facing marginalized communities. Asian American youth have unique perspectives on many issues facing various communities, and such insight is vital to create progress.
April 2024: Representation & Media
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May 2024: AAPI Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month highlights the lives and legacies of Asians and Pacific Islanders who built lives and families in the United States. Celebrating these AAPI community members brings attention to the variety of culture and perspective that has enriched American society for many years. With rich literature, food, clothing, and tradition, the Asian Americans of the United States highlight the aspects of their lives that make them and the U.S. unique.
2022-2023 Themes
September 2022: Ancestry
Ancestry, by dictionary definition, refers to "one's family or ethnic descent". However, ancestry to many Asian Americans goes beyond just ethnicity, but plays a significant role in their lifestyles, cultures, and identities. From family expectations to ethnic traditions we are expected to uphold, this month's theme aims to shed light on the unique and nuanced experience of the Asian-American upbringing. Whether raised with strong ties to one's native background, or feeling distant from one's culture, AYLA attempts to recognize the validity of every individual's ancestry in this month's theme.
2021-2022 Themes
September 2021: Education
Education is the focus of many children and families around the world. Education spans over an umbrella of advancement in STEM, social studies, and more, as well as issues ranging from technology, accessibility, and inclusivity. It is important that the stories of Asians and Asian Americans are told in all relevant curricula, and imperative that more focus is brought to underprivileged Asian communities in Asia and the West that may not have access to quality education. The involvement of youth leaders can help push the world of education forward in a variety of ways.
2020-2021 Themes
September 2020: COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted everyone, including the Asian American community through the increased surge of racism towards Asian Americans. It has had a major impact on everybody’s lives and changed how we act now. People have dealt with many unexpected problems due of COVID-19. Many are struggling in some way, and there are plenty of opportunities and ways to help.​